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Chairman Crowley Calls for Action to Help Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands in the Wake of Devastating Hurricanes

September 26, 2017

(Washington, D.C.) – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement calling for urgent assistance for Puerto and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the wake of Hurricanes Maria and Irma:

“Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are in crisis. The federal government and Congress must do significantly more to ensure that everyone living there has the resources and assistance needed to rebuild their homes and communities, including appropriating recovery funds and clearing the way to ensure goods and services can reach Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands immediately.

“President Trump’s response to the crises in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands has been anemic, and he must immediately devote the necessary federal resources to provide humanitarian and search-and-rescue aid. Additionally, congressional Republicans must abandon their partisan approach to disaster response and work with Democrats to allocate funding for an aid package that will truly help Puerto Rico recover.

“My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many of my constituents in Queens and the Bronx are desperate to hear how their loved ones are doing. An immediate response from Congress is especially critical as reports indicate that families are struggling to find adequate shelter, safe drinking water, and access to health care.”